The Doctors Reform Society of Australia condemned comments by the Federal Treasurer Mr Peter Costello on the Alan Jones program in Sydney today that have increased the likelihood that Medicare bulk billing could end if the Howard government was re-elected.

"The Doctors Reform Society of Australia totally condemns any proposal to end Medicare bulk billing. Mr Costello should understand that poor families and battlers would be hardest hit by an end to bulk billing. He should realise that any proposal to end bulk billing and force people to pay to attend the doctor would simply be a tax on the sick" said Dr Con Costa, President of the Doctors Reform Society today.

"Mr Costello also suggested that a 'no claim' bonus could be introduced for private health insurance. Once again Mr Costello should realise that this would introduce another tax on the sick who needed to claim under their health insurance." said Dr Costa.

"As doctors we condemn any proposal by Dr Costello to end Medicare bulk billing or introduce no claim bonuses as an attack on the principles of Medicare that health care be provided on the basis of need and not on the basis of ability to pay." said Dr Costa.

21 May 1998

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